JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – The Carson-Newman Eagles men's and women's swimming teams will welcome a talented early signing class for the upcoming 2014-15 season at the Maddox Swimming Pool.
This signing class is the second in the school's history, and will supplement a roster that is already competing at a national level in the first year of Carson-Newman swimming.
"I am enthusiastic about these four student-athletes and their ability to impact our program as outstanding swimmers and as people," said Carson-Newman head swimming coach Paige McCord. "I see them as tremendous complements to our returning team for next year. In their own way, they will also be making history. They are excellent students who understand the academic responsibility and opportunity that awaits them at Carson-Newman. Our coaching team cannot wait to begin coaching our next generation of Eagles."
Lexy Rayborn – 5-6 – Riverview High School - Sarasota, Fla.
Rayborn comes to Carson-Newman following a standout career at Riverview High School in Sarasota, Fla., where she was coached by Brent Arkey. She has posted times of 4:56.29 in the 500-yard freestyle, 2:07.39 in the 200-yard individual medley, and 2:05.64 in the 200-yard butterfly stroke. She has been a Florida State Championships Finalist, a YMCA Nationals Finalist, and a three-time Florida state champion in the 400-yard relay. Among Rayborn's athletic honors are the Florida State Top 10 List, NISCA All-American in the 400-yard relay, as well as All-American consideration in the 500-yard freestyle, and she has earned a varsity letter award four times. Rayborn is a decorated student, a four-time winner of the Scholar Athlete Award and she is a member of the National Art Honor Society. Rayborn chose Carson-Newman because she felt welcomed by staff and alumni and the state of the athletic facilities. She plans on majoring in physicians assistant training at Carson-Newman.
McCORD ON RAYBORN:
Brings strong mid-distance abilities for several events, including the freestyle, IM and butterfly. She is an immediate contributor to our efforts.
Margaret Stansberry – 5-7 – Christian Academy of Knoxville – Powell, Tenn.
Stansberry comes to Carson-Newman following a standout career at the Christian Academy of Knoxville in Knoxville, Tenn., where she was coached by John Matson and here ACAC club coaches Betsy Hondorf and Mike Bowman. Stansberry competes in the backstroke and the individual medley, and is the CAK record-holder in the 100-yard backstroke and the 200-yard individual medley. She was named the 2012 Most Valuable Player for CAK swimming. Academically Stansberry is a member of the National Honors Society and Mu Alpha Theta. She chose Carson-Newman because of the size and location of the school. Stansberry added that she felt comfortable and at home on campus and she loves the closeness of the swimmers and the relationships they have with the coaching staff. She plans to major in pre-professional physical therapy at Carson-Newman.
McCORD ON STANSBERRY:
Talented Backstroker and Sprinter. Look for Margaret to bring some raw speed and versatility to the Lady Eagles.
Courtlyn Fields – 5-3 – South Carolina Connections Academy – Anderson, S.C.
Fields comes to Carson-Newman after a standout career at South Carolina Connections Academy in Anderson, S.C. where she was coached by Scott Bonine. She competes in the butterfly and the backstroke. For the IMX Award she finished second in 2011, third in 2012, and second again in 2013. She has had top ten times in the 100-yard butterfly (58.55), top ten finishes at the South Carolina Long Course State in 2012 with a time of 1:09.83 in the 100-yard butterfly, 2:33.36 in the 200-yard butterfly. In 2013 she had top ten finishes in the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 59.92 and the 200-yard butterfly with a 2:10.27 time. Also placed in the 200-yard backstroke with a time of 2:10.46 and 4:40.51 in the 400-yard individual medley. At the South Carolina High School All-Region Meet she earned first place honors in the 500-yard freestyle and at high school state she had a top ten finish in the 500-yard freestyle. Other honors include: Level 2 USA Swimming Recognition SC Short Course State 2012: 6th place 400 Free Relay - 3:47.10 4th place 800 Free Relay - 7:57.39 5th place 400 Medley Relay - 4:10.37 SC Long Course State 2012: 5th place 800 Free Relay - 9:06.09 5th place 400 Medley Relay - 4:46.16 SC Short Course State 2013: 2nd place 400 Medley Relay - 4:02.44 5th place 800 Free Relay - 7:56.78 6th place 400 Free Relay - 3:42.72 SC Long Course State 2013: 8th place 800 Free Relay - 9:28.91. Academically she is in the top 10 percent of her class and is the Vice President of the National Honors Society. She chose Carson-Newman because of the bond between the swim team and the coaches. She also chose C-N because she wantd to be part of a family who helped each other succeed, in and out of the pool.
McCORD ON FIELDS:
Well rounded swimmer, will contribute significantly in the butterfly and butterfly and be a strong point scorer for us.
Ben McCrary – 6-0, 175 – Aaron Academy - Woodbury, Tenn.
McCrary comes to Carson-Newman after a standout career at Aaron Academy in Woodbury, Tenn., where he was coached by Brett Hoehn. McCrary competes in the freestyle, the butterfly, and the backstroke. He qualified for the Southeastern Championship Meet in each year of high school, and qualified for age-group sectionals and senior sectionals. He has been named to the All-Star team for Southeastern Swimming. McCrary chose Carson-Newman because pre-physical therapy is offered, the academics are strong, and felt that the swim team was a good fit for him. He plans to major in pre-physical therapy at Carson-Newman.
McCORD ON McCRARY:
Distance geared athlete with high potential in fly and back as well as proven freestyle strengths.
For the latest information on the Carson-Newman swimming program, fans are encouraged to visit www.cneagles.com.
